For a mom with a lifestyle that’s typically hectic and fast-paced, the task of pondering and preparing what to wear for the day can sometimes to go the bottom of her to-do list. Putting together an outfit for work or for when you’re running errands while everybody is out may be the least of your own worries, especially if you have more important chores that need to be prioritized first. But this mindset can often lead to a rushed and sometimes less-than-satisfying outfit choice, and perhaps as a mom who wants to practice more self-care and mindfulness in her life, you want things to be a little different in this regard.
If you’re one of those moms who wants to dress up without the hassle of unearthing your entire closet on top of all the other things you need to do, one thing you can try is to put together your own capsule wardrobe. Capsule wardrobes, which are most of the time associated with minimalist lifestyles, consist of select versatile and classic clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease, ensuring that the wearer looks put-together and stylish with minimal effort.
Being a busy mom doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your sense of personal style. In fact, with the right pieces, you can effortlessly achieve a number of chic, put-together looks that will actually serve your lifestyle even better. Here are some ideas for what you should stock your mom capsule wardrobe with:
1) Good Basic T-Shirts
The number one must-have item that should feature in your mom capsule wardrobe is the basic T-shirt. Its simplicity offers endless styling possibilities, and it will be perfect to wear whether you’re looking to secure your next client in a meeting or buy groceries in the supermarket.
Stock your capsule wardrobe with high-quality tees in neutral colors like white, black, and gray so that they pair well with everything. You’ll find that even the plainest tees may see the most use in your rotation, so invest in the type that guarantees maximum wearability.
2) Leggings
Leggings are a staple for moms who want to marry comfort and style in their clothing options. They can simply be pulled on and styled casually with an oversized cardigan and flats for casual days doing chores, or dressed up with items like a tunic and ankle boots for a brunch out with the gals.
Buy leggings that will also offer you the flexibility you need for your busy and active lifestyle. They should be able to adapt to your movements throughout the day without compromising on the style you want to achieve.
3) Denim Jeans
Everybody needs a pair of denim jeans, especially moms who are always on the go. You should have at least one pair of jeans that you can use for virtually any application, from picking up your kids at school to attending dinner with your partner and in-laws.
Denim is durable and easy to maintain, making it perfect for a mom who needs reliability as much as others need it from her. Just make sure to find the right fit and a style that both flatters your body shape and complements our skin tone. Most practitioners of a minimalist style keep dark-wash denims in their capsule wardrobes, and you may want to follow suit.
4) A Denim Jacket
Another denim item you should consider making a fixture of your mom capsule wardrobe is a stylish denim jacket. You can pair it with a floral dress for a soft, feminine look, or layer it over a T-shirt and leggings for a more laid-back style.
The denim jacket is also perfect for transitional weather, where it can offer warmth without feeling too suffocating or heavy on your shoulders. Plus, its pockets can be a practical feature for a busy mom, as it will allow you to hold small items when you’re juggling multiple tasks. Classy, chic, and convenient—what more could a mom ask for?
5) A Jumpsuit
Feel like you don’t have time to mix and match pieces together, especially for a dressy occasion? A jumpsuit is just the thing you need to add to your mom capsule wardrobe. This one-piece wonder promises you an instantly stunning outfit with little to no effort.
When hunting for a jumpsuit, choose one with a comfortable fit and a style that complements your body type–whether you aim to achieve a cinched waist, a wide leg, or a tailored silhouette. You can dress it down with sneakers for casual outings or elevate it with heels and a statement necklace for special occasions. A jumpsuit also eliminates the need to coordinate separates, making it a perfect, time-saving piece for any busy mom.
6) A Little Black Dress
Any mom would benefit from a classic little black dress or LBD in her capsule wardrobe. It’s the ultimate go-to clothing item for effortless elegance, whether you’re heading to a dinner date or one of your children’s music recitals.
Make sure to choose a style that’s comfortable and easy to dress up or down. Don’t be afraid to combine other pieces with it to achieve your desired look, for example by pairing it with a blazer and pumps for a formal get-up or with a denim jacket and Mary Janes for a relaxed vibe.
Effortless Chic for the Busy Mom
Upon getting together the most basic capsule wardrobe essentials, you’ll find that you no longer have to worry so much about looking chic and stylish amidst your bustling routine—you’ll have lots of foundational pieces already laid out for you in your closet. Each carefully chosen piece will offer maximum flexibility and ease, thus accommodating the busy pace of your life.
As a mom, you probably know better than anyone how precious your time is. You’ll be surprised at how much of it you may win back, and how much happier you’ll be about articulating your personal style, when you practice the minimalist approach with your capsule wardrobe!